Refreshingly Simple

This summer, refresh from the inside out with Top Chef Stephanie Izard.
Top Chef: Season 4 winner Stephanie Izard is chef-owner of Chicago's Girl & The Goat and Little Goat Diner, and author of Girl in the Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company

As a busy chef with a demanding schedule, I'm always looking for ways to stay healthy. As the weather gets warmer, it's more important than ever to have light snacks on hand that will keep me feeling energized throughout the day.

That's why I keep my freezer stocked with OUTSHINE® bars. They're made with the same delicious strawberries, raspberries and peaches I reach for at the farmers' market, all picked at their peak to capture the pure fruit flavor. At home, in my restaurants, or when I need a quick snack on the go, OUTSHINE® bars are the perfect way to stay refreshed from the inside out, all season long.

Enjoy OUTSHINE® Bars straight from the freezer for instant refreshment, or try these creative suggestions for a healthy snack.

Mixed with yogurt and your favorite toppings for a tasty parfaitBlend with milk or coconut water for a quick smoothieDipped in yogurt and granola for a crunchy treat

OUTSHINE® is a registered trademark owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

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From Simple To Extravagant Gourmet Coffee Gifts!

I rely heavily on gourmet coffee gifts around the gift giving season. These make for the perfect gifts to give to friends, relatives, coworkers and neighbors! Chances are, they love coffee and giving a gourmet coffee gift is the perfect idea! These gifts can range from very simple - under $10 to quite extravagant, depending on your budget and gift strategy. Today in this article we will focus on a few great gourmet coffee gift ideas!

The first, most simple, gourmet coffee gift idea would be to give a $10 gift card to a local coffee shop. This is a great idea so that the recipient can choose what they would like to purchase! Perhaps it will be a couple different specialty coffee drinks, a travel mug, or a delicious pound of gourmet beans. Whatever they choose, you know they will be satisfied. This is also a great gift for non-coffee drinkers as they can pick up some bakery items or other drinks, such as specialty teas, that are not coffee-related.

If you are looking for something a little more special, think about giving a small set. This is perfect for coworkers, or perhaps even a boss you actually like! I like to get a cute coffee mug, fill it with a couple small bags of one-pot sized flavored coffee, and include a small gift card as well. The great thing about this gift is how versatile it is. I like to get special mugs, for instance I have a coworker who loves flowers, so I purchased a mug with yellow roses on it. The ideas are endless and the result of this gift is perfectly lovely!

When thinking about a more over-the-top or extravagant gourmet coffee gift, think about purchasing or putting together a beautiful gourmet coffee gift basket. This is actually a very fun gift to make, and of course to receive! I like to purchase a beautiful wicker basket from a local craft store. While I'm there I make sure to pick up some cellophane wrapper and beautiful big bow! Next comes the really fun part - filling the basket! This is where creativity shines. I like to stuff it with a couple different kinds of coffee, a few coffee mugs, gourmet syrups and sugars and a baked pastry item or two. I also like to stuff in a couple non-food related items such as coffee-themed stationary, stickers, pens or other items!

Christine Rankin is a professional author who provides information on gourmet coffee and more coffee topics for Gourmet Coffee Guide.

3 Simple Steps to Catapult Your Organic Dog Food Business

Many dog owners are now discovering the many benefits of weaning their pets from dry dog food dependency. Although many of these food items are formulated to suit the nutritional needs of our canine companions, many pets eventually end up with one or more medical conditions like obesity, diabetes and even bloat. At the same time, these dry dog food products can become increasingly expensive. If the dog owner continues with this kind of pet feeding, the monthly bills for dog food alone can be staggering. Or, if the dog owner chooses to buy more affordable but less nutritious dog food items, their pets' health could be compromised.

This is why the organic dog food business is booming these days. In order to launch your own pet food business, here are a few things you should do.

1. Go gourmet as opposed to ordinary organic food fare. If you are a small time organic dog food business owner, you will likely have more success as a gourmet canine food manufacturer. There are already a lot of organic pet food businesses out there, which means that you have a lot of competition to deal with. But gourmet products are more profitable, and because these are considered as luxury items, you can sell at higher prices to a limited group of clienteles.

Just make sure that your gourmet dog food products are unique and distinctive. Use as many organic ingredients as you can.

2. Choose organic packaging as well. Here is one trade secret: many dog owners might be enticed to try your products more if the packaging is eye-catching. If you have enough funds, try to create custom made containers that are both serviceable and environment-friendly. Using recycled materials will help cement your reputation as an organic food manufacturer.

3. Make sure that you make arrangements with courier service. If you are operating your business online, you would rely on heavily on the courier service. Make sure that you make arrangements with them on how you want your products picked up from your place (which is great if you are sending out products by the bulk) and how you want these shipped (next-door-delivery, unmarked boxes, special lining, etc.)

Karen Freeman is the author of Start Your Own Gourmet Dog Treats Business: Bake Your Way To Success. As a dog treats bakery owner, she shares her expert insider tips to starting and growing a successful dog treat business from home. Be sure to visit www.home-made-dog-treats-business.com for tips on how for you can turn your passion for pets into a successful business.

© Copyright 2010. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

Gastronaut: Simple Syrup, Xanthan Syrup, Creole Old-Fashioned

To give a luxurious silky texture to cocktails, this simple syrup (a syrup made by dissolving sugar in water) is thickened slightly with xanthan gum.

This variation on a classic old-fashioned calls for Cognac and dark rum in place of whiskey, and uses simple syrup thickened with xanthan gum for a silky texture.

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The Secrets of a Parisian Spice Store Owner - Good Food is Simple Food

It doesn't taste like simple food. In fact, the Paris cuisine that I've experienced since arriving in France, food that has tasted fresher and cleaner than I've experienced, is raising more questions in my mind.

In an effort to find the answers to these questions, I've returned to the Rue Cler market to visit with Pascal Mievre, owner of L' Epicerie Fine, a gourmet foods and exotic spice store on the Rive Gauche, the right bank of the Paris cuisine scene.

Pascale is a multi-generational grocer. Grandfather worked for a roasting company and sold spices "by the ton" and his grandmother worked in a small grocery. Pascale has spent most of his life in food, first as a manager for a supermarket in France, food management that lasted for 20 years. He then created his own shop.

With all this experience and France food in his blood, Pascal has a very definite opinion about food.

"Just a few drops" he says of his prized truffle oil, "it's incredible".

I feel as though I'm getting closer to the answers I've been seeking during my Paris cuisine and ingredient search. "Good food is simple food" is the answer that comes from Pascal.

In my trip to France, food has been a surprise and I'm not finding what I expected. You don't need to add heavy ingredients, you don't need complicated cooking. What makes cooking and Paris cuisine so incredible is that it's made of simple food. "Simple things, but good things" is the way Pascal put it.

Chef Todd Mohr is a classically trained chef, entrepreneur, cooking educator and founder of WebCookingClasses. You CAN learn to cook without written recipes by taking his FREE cooking class that will change the way you think about cooking forever!

Some Simple Camping Food Suggestions

When camping, it is important to take plenty of food and water to remain nourished. These items should be easy to store, easy to carry when out on the trail and easy to keep fresh. Non perishable and dried items are best to take, but perishable items can be used if you have access to a refrigerator or cooler that will maintain the cold for the duration of your trip.

There are specialty stores that carry food supplies specifically meant for camping. However, these items can be expensive. They usually consist of pre packaged food and meals that are freeze-dried. Often the food is bland and may not be as nutritious as a fresh meal.

With a little planning, however, it is possible to have nutritious, easy to prepare meals right from the grocery store. There are many foods that are light weight, easy to store and non perishable. Cereals, nuts, dried fruit and candy are great snacks and can be mixed for an energy boosting trail mix. All those ingredients are readily available in a grocery store and can be made up before leaving and stored in an airtight container. Adding some packets into your backpack will provide a healthy snack while on the trail.

Always bring plenty of water for hydration and cooking. Don't forget you'll also need water for cleaning dishes after cooking. You can also bring drink mixes and coffee or tea to mix with the water for a pick me up in the morning. Any foods that require simply adding water are great. Cup of soup packets where you just add some water and let it steep are great for a quick and easy warm meal or snack. They are great for cold weather to help keep warm.

Canned meats, meats that do not require refrigeration and canned vegetables are a good source of nutrition. Tuna fish and canned chicken can be used in numerous recipes. Making stews out of canned meats and canned vegetables will provide you a hearty meal that is easy to prepare and easy to clean. Salami does not need to be cooked and is great on crackers for a snack. Beef jerky is a traditional camping snack that will provide nutrition and boost energy while on the trail. Just remember though that if you take any canned goods to also bring a can opener.

For sweets, candy and dried fruits are excellent. But who can resist a traditional s'more? Marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers are lightweight and can be carried and stored with ease. Sitting down to a fire while roasting marshmallows and melting chocolate onto the graham cracker is a fun way to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Remember that when you are camping you will need to carry items with you on hikes and nature walks. Choose items that are lightweight and do not require a lot of cleaning. Bring a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, snacks and sweets. Camping is a temporary state and you should concentrate on ease of preparation and fun. Do not worry that you may not be getting the most balanced meal or gourmet food. There's plenty of time for that at home. Enjoy the campfire, keep your energy level up and have fun.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for CampingEarth.com. For some great camping recipes and more camping tips, be sure to visit the site.

Gourmet Food Is One of Life's Simple Pleasures

Nowhere in the world of fine dining is there a place for fast food, cafe, or a drive-in style eating establishment. A gourmet meal should consist of at least three distinct and separate courses, served elegantly and with due consideration toward pleasing the palate of dinner guests. Simply ordering from a menu on the wall, then having to retrieve your own food, then to eat at a picnic style table or take it home to eat are not even considered here. The art of gourmet dining includes dressing for the occasion and bringing your best table manners along. It's easy to compare the many differing styles of cooking as well as the type of service provided yet each constitutes good food and the opportunity to let someone else cook for you, then wash up after, so it's usually well worth the price.

Serving style varies around the world

When you dine Mongolian style, such as in a Mongolian barbecue style restaurant, generally the customer selects their own foods from a buffet style table then hands that bowl over to the cook. The cook then stir fries that food, using a large flat top grill, then returns the food, now plated, back to the customer at their chosen table. In France you may dine in what is called a brasserie. The French inspired menu generally consists of comfort foods like fish dishes that have that distinctly French flavor and cooked to perfection by well-trained chefs. Food is moderately priced and service may well be your own. A bistro by comparison, will have a more refined décor with higher prices and more professional service. American style dining varies from true gourmet restaurants with seven course meals to a McDonald's Big Mac with fries. With so much to choose from, it is no wonder obesity is a worldwide problem (as is hunger).

What does "gourmet" actually mean?

One who truly appreciates fine food of gourmet quality dining is called a gourmand or simply a gourmet. Having a discerning palate, someone who has had much experience trying food from a wide variety of sources enables them to have an opinion on foods that may be respected by others. Gourmet food is considered to be on the finer and more refined menus around the globe. It may include such highly regarded (and expensive) items as rare mushrooms known as truffles, prime cuts of beef, sauces and gravies that have been refined and slow cooked to reduce them down to the finest and deepest of flavorings, and exotic vegetables which have been grown organically. Extensive use of both white and red wines is a vital part of many gourmet dishes and may be involved in the creation of such fine dishes as Amaretto Tiramisu, Sautéed Beef with Rosemary & White Wine, Prime Rib Roast of Beef with Au Jus, and Hibiscus Marinated Leg of Lamb. Of course these recipes and many more can be found on the Internet or in gourmet cook books. But just having the recipe means little unless the cook is a trained chef; someone who knows the intricacies involved as well as the chemistry that makes a truly fine meal fit to be labeled a gourmet meal.

If you're thinking of using Truffles in your cooking, you could try Truffle Oil as a sampler.

Simple Gourmet Camping Food With a Dutch Oven

Camping can test your resources and presents an opportunity to try new things and have new experiences. Many people who go camping rely on premade foods, hot dogs or freeze dried food for meals. As a result, camping is synonymous with bad food. However, there is a way to eat great, even gourmet, food while camping and it's through a Dutch oven.

These ovens are simply a type of cast iron pot that is used while camping to cook. You can use them over an open frame hanging from a tripod, but the most common way to cook with them is to bury the oven in hot coals. This makes the food cook evenly. You can also use them on specially made tables that make them more like cooking on a grill.

You can cook pretty much anything in a Dutch oven. It is a great way to make your favorite homemade dishes while out camping. One of the most popular dishes is cobbler. Dutch ovens are absolutely perfect for cobbler and the whole family will love it. The secret to good Dutch oven food is all about quality, much like cooking at home so if you want your food to be the best it can be, use the best ingredients when preparing it. Some other dutch oven camping favorites include; pizza, chilli beans and just about any type of stew you can cook in a regular oven.

Take good care of your oven while camping and prior to leaving. Cast iron is very susceptible to rust, so you'll want to season it before you leave home. Rub it with vegetable oil or shortening then heat the cast iron pan upside down in a regular oven, with a sheet of foil on the bottom to catch drips. Once done, let the pan slowly cool to room temperature.

Aluminum Dutch ovens are now available as an alternative to the cast iron. These are easier to care for and a lot lighter which is making them gain popularity with camping crowds.

If you do decide to go with an aluminum Dutch oven for your camping trip, try and pick recipes that were written specifically for the aluminum variety as it is a different cooking experience altogether. For one thing, it is easier to burn food when cooking with the aluminum Dutch ovens. This is important because, in a camping context with so much going on and in unfamiliar settings, it is easy to get distracted while camping. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than burnt food.

Just in case, bring some easy backup food in case anything goes wrong with your Dutch oven cooking and give it a test run at home to make sure you've got it all figured out.

Inger loves stories and loves to write. She has been writing words on paper for quite some time so when the Internet came along she started writing online too. Visit her latest websites which can help you choose the best cotton mattress or 3 way fridge.

Simple Soups

The author of Seriously Simple, Diane Rossen Worthington, creates eight seriously simple soups. Some can be on the table almost as soon as the broth boils.

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Simple Soups

The author of Seriously Simple, Diane Rossen Worthington, creates eight seriously simple soups. Some can be on the table almost as soon as the broth boils.

View the original article here

Gourmet Cooking - 3 Simple And Effective Ways To Make Cooking Fun!

For most people, augmenting their compilation of recipes through the inclusion of gourmet culinary recipes for applying them at home is easier said than done. However, things have changed and this no longer holds good.

Today, you can collect every one of the recipes you require and apply them just the way you want since, in the present times, both the recipes as well as the ingredients can be easily found. These days a lot of chefs are creating wonderful dishes for their family with the help of the terrific gourmet culinary recipes that are easily obtainable. You too can attempt something similar.

Handy Hints for Excellent Gourmet Cuisine

Gourmet culinary recipes can be discovered on the internet. However, is it possible to use them? The following are some handy hints that you should bear in mind.

1. Carefully regulate the preparation temperature and time in accordance with the appliances you have at your residence. As these recipes are supplied by certified specialists, they are usually created for use in commercial kitchens, and this may indicate cooking at high temperatures in a particular set up to achieve speedy results.

But these days this not usually the case in many kitchens. The silver lining is that when using these measurements, it is possible for you to modify them in order to match the appliance that you have at home. To achieve this, you can make use of diagrams and tables that you can look for on the internet.

2. Always, go in for good quality ingredients as per the recipe's instructions. If you wish to achieve perfect results then you need to invest time in searching for and buying the ingredients mentioned and of high quality. Do not be rushed but take your time choosing the proper kind, quality, and size of vegetable, spices and meats that you require. Such a course of action will ensure you prepare ideal gourmet culinary dishes.

3. Familiarize yourself with various styles of cooking food. By attending cooking schools, workshops, reading periodicals and viewing television shows, you can acquaint yourself with various cooking styles used for different recipes. You need to be aware of the proper application of gourmet cooking utensils and appliances to enable you to cook gourmet cuisine with finesse and flair.

For people planning to prepare gourmet cuisine it makes no difference in applying the available recipes. What does count when cooking gourmet food is some sensible advice and plenty of detailed planning. Give utmost attention to the nitty-gritty's and you can rest assured that you dishes turn out just right.

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Cooking-Guru.com

How To Become A Gourmet Cook - Some Simple Tips

Gourmet cooking seems to be hopelessly beyond the reach of most of us. We are used to preparing a hurried meal for our families or carefully following the instructions in a recipe book when we have guests to dinner. Gourmet cooking seems to be the preserve of five star restaurants and top professional chefs who have access to the most luxurious ingredients.

But gourmet cooking can be achieved at home if you are willing to devote some time and attention to it. Gourmet cooking is essentially good cooking that uses the best ingredients and has a certain integrity to it.

Gourmet cooking can be simple food. Increasingly, even top restaurants are serving food that would once have been regarded as the food of poor people. But today when our palates are assaulted by some much processed food this kind of food has an authenticity that most of our diet lacks.

A simple meal of cheese sourced from a farm's own dairy and hand made bread is a gourmet meal. A braised leg of spring lamb with minted new potatoes dug up only hours ago is a gourmet cooking.

Regional specialties cooked slowly with care and attention are gourmet cooking. When most food is fast food, slow food is gourmet food.

If gourmet cooking is about paying attention to ingredients it is also about paying attention to yourself. A gourmet cook must have integrity too. It is important to take pride in yourself. Hone your skills and always be prepared to learn more.

Books are useful. The best books are those that explain techniques rather than just give you recipes. It is your skill in technique that will make you a gourmet cook once you have good quality ingredients.

Some skills need to be learned from the experts. Consider enrolling on a course. A few days spent with a chef, a baker or a butcher will impart skills that cannot be picked up from a book. Not least working with a real artist in these trades will inspire you in your quest to become a gourmet cook.

Equipment is important to a gourmet cook. This doesn't mean acquiring a battery of fancy gadgets. All you need are knives and pans but they should be of the best quality you can afford. That goes especially for knives and take care to keep them sharp. Have respect for your equipment and it will help you to become a gourmet cook.

If one word sums up what being a gourmet cook means it is that - respect. As a gourmet cook you must respect your ingredients, the skills of others, your diners, your equipment, and above all yourself. That is the only way to become a gourmet cook.

Abhishek is really passionate about Cooking and he has got some great Cooking Secrets. up his sleeves! Download his FREE 88 Pages Ebook, "Cooking Mastery!" from his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com/770/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.